PBS Selects thePlatform for Nationwide
Online Programming

PBS to dramatically increase online video; thePlatform to publish online video for PBS’ national shows and local PBS stations

SEATTLE, WA / PALM DESERT, CA -- May 13, 2008 – PBS announced today that it has chosen thePlatform to power its new online video initiative that will significantly increase the amount of PBS video available on both pbs.org and local PBS station web sites.

PBS will use thePlatform, the leading broadband video management and publishing company, to publish and manage its national broadband video programming on its web sites, including pbs.org, pbskids.org, pbsparents.org, and pbsteachers.org. The agreement also allows PBS to enable online video distribution of national programming to PBS member stations and their respective Web sites. In addition, local PBS stations will have access to thePlatform’s publishing system and video player technology to publish locally-produced content to their individual Web sites and to make it available to other local PBS stations. The announcement was made by Jason Seiken, PBS Sr. VP, Interactive, at PBS’ annual Showcase meeting in Palm Desert, Calif.

“We’ve already rolled out hundreds of hours of video on pbs.org, and it’s proven to be tremendously popular, as shown by the 1.2 million streams of the recent FRONTLINE program ‘Bush’s War,’” said Seiken. “Using thePlatform’s technology will allow us to execute on our far-reaching video strategy and considerably increase online video on both pbs.org and local PBS station Web sites.”

“PBS has a proud history of offering important, high-quality programming across the country,” said Ian Blaine, CEO, thePlatform. “We’re very proud to be serving as the backend publishing system for their broadband initiatives and look forward to helping local and national PBS audiences enjoy newly-available broadband video.”

Hundreds of companies use thePlatform to manage billions of video plays every year. thePlatform’s system manages the entire logistics process behind the publication of broadband video from the content owner to the consumer. Media companies and video sites rely on thePlatform’s services to manage their media, generate revenue from their content, syndicate media to outlets and create unique broadband video players.

About PBS
PBS, with its 355 member stations, offers all Americans – from every walk of life – the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each week, PBS reaches more than 73 million people and invites them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; hear diverse viewpoints; and take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs have been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS’ premier children’s TV programming and Web site, pbskids.org, are parents’ and teachers’ most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org Web sites on the Internet.